Automatic starter



Sept. 3, 1935. H. VAN V'ALKENBURG 2,013,013

AUTOMATIC STARTER Filed July 16, 1954 I5 Sheets-Sheet l Q 9 G 5 T W .9 5 W m5 .W k b W H l 6 5 H w I Tam aq I i. I w Q1 2 a wfi m W AU w. w 2 W 7 4 W H AUW J ,"5 5. ,w w 0 2 z -7 4 W t.@.. w W W L; Q a 1b] b] Sept. 3, 1935. H. L. VAN VAL'KENBURG 2,013,013

AUTOMATIC STARTER Filed July 16, 1954 5 Sheets-Shet 2 INVENTO ATTORNE Sept. 3, 1935. H. L. VAN VALKENBURG 2,013,013

AUTOMATIC STARTER Filed July 16, 1954 a Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR Patented Sept. 3,1935

ao'rom'rro s'ran'raa Hermon L, Van Valkenburg, Wanwatosa, Wia, asaignor to Square D Company, Detroit, Mich.

Application July 16, 1934, Serial No. 735,440

'17 Claims.

This invention relates to automatic starters and is particularly directed to an automatic starter of the magnet type.

Objects of this invention are to provide a novel 6 form of automatic starter which has a start button, a stop button, and a reset button, in which all of the parts are carried within a housing or box, and in which the parts are easily assembled and are easily accessible for inspection, repair, or replacement.

In greater detail, objects of this invention are to provide a magnet type of automatic starter in which control switches, such as the start and stop buttons and overload relays, and the major portion of the mechanism associated therewith are mounted upon a control switch block which is easily removable as a unit, and to mount within the casing, preferably behind this block, a magnet mechanism which operates a contactor, the contactor being mounted transversely of the housing and adjacent the end of the control switch block and magnet, thus providing a very compact though readily accessible construction.

Further objects are to provide a construction in which the stop switch is manually operable by the stop push button'from the outside of the housing and in which this same stop switch is also actuated by either or both of the overload relays. Further objects are to provide a construction as outlined above in which a start switch is provided which is manually initially closed and which is automatically held closed by the operation of the contactor operating magnet, thereby avoiding an auxiliary holding'means for the contactor and considerably simplifying the construction.

Further objects are to provide reset mechanism associated with the stop switch so that after an overload device has operated, the contactor cannot be closed by the depression of the start button until after the reset button has been depressed, such reset button simultaneously resetting the overload devices and closing the stop switch.

Further objects are to provide a construction of automatic magnet type starter in which the contactor elements are separated from each other by insulating barriers which form channel spaces between successive barriers, which channel spaces are open at the edge of the control switch block so that thecontfactor elements may be readily inspected without disassembling any portion of the apparatus.

- Further objects are to provide a construction I having the objects outlined hereinabove in which the control "switch block is held by a small number of securing means and also is held in its pr p position by certain of the conducting bars or members connecting certain of the contactor contacts with the overload relays.

Further objects are to provide a construction which is self-contained, which has a minimum 5 number of parts, and which is very compact although in no way detracting from the safety of the device.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a view looking into the housing with the cover open and broken away and with parts of the mechanism in section.

Figure 2 is a sectional view on the line 2-2 of Figure 1 showing the cover closed.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary detail of the magnet for the contactor and the crosshead and guides therefor.

Figure 4 is a detailed sectional view v on the line 44 of Figure l.

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary detail through a portion of one of the overload relays.

Figure 6 is a sectional detail on the line 66 of Figure 1.

Figure '7 is a diagrammatic view of the electrical circuits.

Referring to the drawings, it will be seen that the entire mechanism iscarried within a housing I provided with a hinged cover 2, the cover carrying guiding shells 3 for the push buttons 4., lb, and 4c, the buttons 4. and is being shown in Figure 2 and all three of the button stems being indicated in dotted lines in Figure 1 in the relative position that they would occupy when the cover is closed. The button 4. is the reset button; the button 4c is the start button; and the button It is the stop button. Any suitable type of push button construction can be employed, the push button per se forming no portion of this invention.

A chassis or metal base portion 5 is supported from the back of the housing and may be carried on pillars or spacers 6. It carries the contactor block I, the supports 8 for the magnet structure, and the control switch block indicated by the reference character 9.

It is to be noted from reference to Figures 2 and 3 that the supports 8 for the magnet structure are provided with a pair of inturned feet In which receive the two screws Ii countersunk within the control switch block 9 to thereby provide a support for the bottom end of the control switch block, such switch block being formed of suitable insulating material, such as porcelain.

The upper end of the control switch block is provided with a pair of angularly bent conductors I2 which are attached at their outer ends to certain of the terminal members I3 of the contactor to thereby provide a support for the upper end of the control switch block.

The contactor block or body portion 1 is provided with a plurality of inwardly projecting intermediate barriers I4 and with outer barriers I5 preferably formed integrally with the body portion of the contactor block, such contactor block being formed of insulating material such as porcelain.

The block is provided with openings adjacent its inner portion through which extensions of the inner stationary contacts I6 pass, such inner stationary contacts being connected to the inner terminal members I! of the contactor block as shown in Figure 2. The outer terminal members I3 are connected to the outermost of the stationary contacts I8 of the contactor.

It is to be noted from reference to Figures 1 and 2 that the barriers I4 extend upwardly and form insulating barriers between the terminal members I3 as well as between the stationary contacts I6 and I8, and also it is to be noted that the connecting portion of the inner contacts I6 extend through apertures in the wall of the body portion I of the insulating contactor block, thereby providing excellent separation of the electrical parts.

The movable contacts I9 of the contactor are supported from a movable insulating crosshead 20. Any suitable means may be provided for carrying them, such as the fiat pins 2I rigidly carried by the crosshead 20 and loosely surrounded b springs 22.

The magnet is provided with a stationary portion 23, a coil 24, and a movable armature portion 25. The parts are preferably formed of laminated magnetic material for alternating current energization. The interior of the coil 24 may be lined with non-magnetic guide portions 26. The armature 25 is practically floating as it is pivotally carried by the pin 21 supported from the movable metal U-shaped frame 28, see Figures 2 and 3. This frame 28 is provided with a downwardly turned apertured portion 29 which rides upon or is guided by the stationary pin 39 supported from the frame 5, as shown in Figure 2. The ends of the U-shaped frame 28, see Figure 3, are secured to projecting portions 3I formed integrally with the crosshead. The portions 3I of the crosshead are slidably carried between guides 32 integral with the chassis or body portion 5. The magnet structure'is removably mounted but the particular form of mounting per se forms no portion of this invention.

It is to be noted from reference to Figure 3 that the U-shaped movable frame 28 carries a projecting pin 33. This pin engages an arm 34 which extends downwardly from the bell crank insulating lever 35, see Figure 2, for operating the start contact switch. The bell crank lever 35 carries the movable contact 36 of the start switch, the stationary contacts being carried by the terminal members 31 and 38 mounted on the control switch block 9, the movable contact 36 being yieldingly held as indicated in Figure 2. The start switch is biased towards open position by means of the spring 35, see Figure 2.

The bell crank lever 35 is provided with an integral hub 39 pivotally mounted upon the transverse pin 40, such pin being carried at opposite ends by removable insulating pillars 4| secured to the control switch block 9.

It is apparent, therefore, that when the start button is depressed and the start switch manually closed, that the subsequent motion of the magnet armature will hold the start switch closed. One of the terminal members or stationary contact members 38 of the start switch is connected by means of a conductor 42 with one of the terminal members I3 of the contactor, see Figures 1 and 2. The other stationary contact or terminal member 31 of the start switch is connected by means of a jumper 43 with one of the stationary contacts 44 of the stop switch. The other terminal member or stationary contact 45 of the stop switch is connected by means of a conductor 46 with one side of the magnet coil 24. However, it will be more apparent to follow the electrical connections from the schematic diagram shown in Figure '7 which will be described hereinbelow.

The movable contact 41 of the stop switch is shown in Figures 1 and 6. It is inset within a recess formed in the control switch block 9, as indicated in Figure 6, and is guided by the walls of the recess. It is spring pressed towards c osed position by means of the spring 48, as shown in Figure 6. It is opened by means of an insulating pin 49 carried by the insulating lever 50, as may be seen from Figures 1 and 6.

The lever 50 is integral with a hub 5| pivotally mounted on the pin 49 and provided with an integral rearwardly projecting arm 52 which is T- shaped and provided with the head 53 as shown in Figure 1. The head 53 is mounted directly behind the reset button 4a, as shown in Figure 2.

The bottom portion of the head 53 is provided with a cylindrical or rounded face 54 at opposite ends and these portions extend over the insulating slides 55 of the electrical overload devices. These electrical overload devices may be of any suitable form. The forms chosen for illustration are of the thermal overload type and comprise the self-soldering ratchet wheel 56, see Figure 4, normally engaged by a spring pressed pawl member 51 pivoted to the portion 55, the same spring 58 serving to urge the guide member 55 upwardly. These guide members 55 are slidably mounted upon L-shaped brackets 59, as shown in Figure 5, which are slotted and the members 55 carry a transverse pin 69 which rides within the sot and thus limits the upward motion of the members 55.

The bottom portions of the L-shaped brackets 59 are'held to the control switch block 9 by means of screws GI inset within recesses formed in the control switch block 9. The outer ends of the screws 6| serve as pins to position the springs 59, the upper end of the springs enclosing a lug formed on the ratchet members 51. The members 55 are, as stated, formed of insulating material and an integral lug 62, see Figure 4, is formed on such members to limit the rocking mo tion of the pawl members 55.

The thermal overload devices include the heating units, indicated generally by the reference character 63 in Figure 1, so that when these units become heated from the overload current, they will release one or the other or both of the ratchet 'wheels 56 and allow one or the other or both of the sliding members 55 to rise and to thus press the head 53 outwardly, thereby depressing the lever 50, see Figure 1, and opening the stop switch.

Thus the stop switch is not only manually operable, but also is operable automatically by the electrical'overload devices, the manual operation in no way interfering with the automatic operation. The overload devices may be reset by depressing the reset button 4., see Figures 1, 2, and 4.

It is to be notedparticularly that the start switch is biased towards open position, the stop switchis biased and normally held in closed position, the tripping means of the electrical overload devices are biased towards open position; or in other words, towards a position resulting in the opening. of the 'stop switch. 7

Further, it will be noted from Figure 2 that the device is usually mounted in a vertical position so that the contactor is biased towards open position by gravity or by any other suitable means. although any other suitable means could be used to permit the device to be mounted in a horizontal position, if so desired.

Referring to the diagrammatic view shown in Figure 7, it will be seen that a three-phase system has been chosen for illustration, although the device may be used in any system.- The power leads or line wires are indicated by the reference character 64 and the motor or other translating device by the reference character 65.

The contactorv closes the circuit. as indicated, between the power wires or power line 64 and the motor 85. taetor also serves as the holding magnet for holding the start switch closed, as previously described, the movable contact of the start switch 36 being diagrammatically shown in Figure '7. The thermal units 63 of the electrical overload devices are indicated diagrammatically in Figure 7. Two of these are employed in a three-phase system so that a load in any of the phases will trip the device.

is apparent that the device is so constructed that itgnay be remotely controlled from any number of' control stations. as circuit wires 68. 61 and 68 may be run to such control stations. The wire 61 leads from a stationary contact of the start switch and the wires 68 and 68 lead from the points f and 41 respectively, as shown in Figure 7. when these remote control stations are employed, the jumper from d to I is removed.

It is to be noted with reference to the unitary construction of the automatic starter that a single switch acts as the start switch when the starter is operated manually. On the other hand, after the starter is closed,"this same switch operates as the holding switch for the starter. Additionally, if the starter is remotely controlled from a control station, the magnet itself closes the start switch at the starter. Thus it will be seen that this single switch has a number of different functions.

On the other hand, it is to be noted with reference to the stop switch that such stop switch acts in the capacity of a stop switch and also as the switch which is opened by the overload relays.

It will be seen that a novel form of automatic starter has been provided in which the operating magnet of the contactor forms a holding means in cooperation with the start switch without requiring either a separate and independent holding circuit or a separate and independent holding readily removable from the housing I.

The operating magnet 24 of the con-.

effect upon the device until after the reset button has been pressed.

Further it is to be noted that the device is so made that it is, in effect, formed of three main distinct units, namely, the control switch unit removable and replaceable as a unit, the magnet structure removable and replaceable as a unit, and the contactor also forming a distinct unit. All of these parts are supported from the chassis or body portion of the device, which in itself is In addltion to this, it is to be noted that the peculiar arrangement of push buttons with relation to the operating levers for the start, stop, and reset mechanism permits the ready opening or closing of the hinged or otherwise mounted cover without any interference from other parts of the mechanism.

Further it is to be noted that excellent electrical separation of the active parts of the device is provided by this invention and that the contacts of the contactor are easily inspected through the open ends of the channel-like apertures within which the parts are positioned without removing any portion of the apparatus whattionary and movable contacts supported from said block and constituting start and stop switches, manual means for operating said start and stop switches; a magnet unit mounted behind said control switch block; and a contactor un t mounted adjacent the end of said control switch block and said magnet unit, said contactor including stationary contacts, movable contacts operated by said magnet, and barriers between the groups of stationary and movable contacts, said barriers forming channel-like portions, said channel-like portions being open on the end ofsaid contactor adjacent the face of said control switch block,

whereby the stationary and movable contacts of said contactor mav be freely inspected without disassembling said starter.

2. An electric starter comprising a control switch unit including a control switch block, stationary contacts carried by said control switch block, movable contacts supported from said control switch block and cooperating with said stationary contacts and constituting start and stop switches; a magnet unit mounted behind said control switch block and controlled by said start and stop switches; a contactor unit mounted adjacent the end (rt-said control switch block and the end of said magnet unit and operated by said magnet unit, a housing enclosing said control switch unit, said magnet unit and said contactor, said; housing including a cover, and manually opera-ble buttons projecting through'sai'd cover for operating said start and stop switches, said control switch block being removable from the front of the housing without disturbing either the magnet unit or the contactor unit and when removed exposing the magnet unit.

3. An electric starter comprising a control switch unit including a control switch block,

stationary contac-ts carried by said control switch block, movable contacts supported from said control switch block and cooperating with said stationary contacts and constituting start and stop switches; a magnet uni-t mounted behind said control switch block and controlled by said start and stop switches; a contactor unit mounted adjacent the end of said control switch block and the end of said magnet unit and operated by said magnet unit, a housing enclosing said control switch unit, said magnet unit and said contactor, said housing including a cover, and manually operable buttons projecting through said cover for operating said start and stop switches, said contactor being mounted transversely of said housing with the outer face of the contactor approximately flush with the outer surface of said control switch block, said magnet unit being mounted rearwardly of said control switch block.

4. A starter comprising a control switch unit having a control switch block and stationary contacts carried thereby, movable contacts supported from said block and constituting with said stationary contacts start and stop swiches, manual means for operating both of said switches; an operating magnet located behind said control switch block; and a conta ctor operated from said magnet, and mechanism operated from said magnet for holding said start switch closed after the initial closing of said start switch.

5. An automatic starter comprising a control switch unit having stationary contacts and movable contacts cooperating therewith and constituting start and stop switches, overload means carried by said control switch block for opening said stop switch upon the occurrence of an electrical overload, manual means for operating said start and stop switches; a magnet unit controlled by said start and stop switches and operating said start switch and holding said start switch closed after the initial manual closing of said start switch; and a contactor operated by said magnet.

6. An automatic starter comprising a housing having a cover, start, stop and reset push buttons carried by said cover, a control switch unit mounted within said housing and including a control switch block having stationary contacts and movable contacts constituting start and stop switches controlled from said start and stop push buttons, and electric overload devices carried by said control switch block for opening such stop switch upon the occurrence of an electrical overload, said overload devices being reset by said reset button; a magnet unit mounted inwardly of said control switch block and controlled by said start and stop switches, mechanism operated by said magnet for holding said start switch closed after the initial closing of said start switch; and a contactor operated by said magnet.

'7. An automatic starter comprising a housing having a cover, start, stop and reset push buttons carried by said cover, a control switch unit mounted within said housing and including a control switch block having stationary contacts and movable contacts constituting start and stop switches controlled from said start and stop push buttons, and electric overload devices carried by said control switch block for opening such stop switch upon the occurrence of an electrical overload, said overload devices being reset by said reset button; a magnet unit mounted inwardly of said control switch block and controlled by said start and stop switches, mechanism operated by said magnet for holding said start switch closed after the initial closing of said start switch; and a contactor operated by said magnet, said contactor being mounted transversely of said housing adjacent the end of said control switch block and having groups of stationary and movable contacts separated by barriers, said barriers forming channel-like portions open adjacent the outer face of said control switch block, whereby said stationary and movable contacts may be inspected without disassembling said starter.

8. An automatic starter comprising a housing having a cover, start, stop and reset push buttons carried by said cover, a control switch unit mounted within said housing and including a control switch block having stationary contacts and movable contacts constituting start and stop switches controlled from said start and stop push buttons, and electric overload devices carried by said control switch block for opening such stop switch upon the occurrence of an electrical overload, said overload devices being reset by said reset button; a magnet unit mounted inwardly of said control switch block and controlled by said start and stop switches, mechanism operated by said magnet for holding said start switch closed after the initial closing of said start switch; and a contactor operated by said magnet, said push buttons being independent of said start and stop switches, whereby said cover may be open and will carry the push buttons with said cover away from said start and stop switches.

9. An electric starter comprising a control switch unit including a control switch block having stationary and movable contacts constituting start and stop switches, manual means for operating said start and stop switches; a magnet unit mounted behind said control switch block and controlled by said start and stop switches; a contactor unit mounted transversely adjacent the end of said magnet unit and said control switch block and having stationary contacts and movable contacts operated by said magnet, said control switch block being removable without disturbing the said magnet unit or said contactor unit.

10. An electric starter comprising a control switch unit including a control switch block having stationary and movable contacts constituting start and stop switches, manual means for operating said start and stop switches; a magnet unit mounted behind said control switch block and controlled by said start and stop switches; a contactor unit mounted transversely adjacent the end of said magnet unit and said control switch block and having stationary contacts and movable contacts operated by said magnet, said I control switch block being removable without disturbing the said magnet unit or said contactor unit, said magnet unit being removable after the removal of said control switch block without disturbing said contactor.

11. An automatic starter comprising a control switch unit including a control switch block hav ing stationary contacts arranged in pairs, a movable'contact associated with each pair of stationary contacts, said movable and stationary contacts constituting start and stop switches, a lever pivotally carried by said control switch block and having one arm carrying the movable contact of the stop switch and having a second arm extending outwardly, electrical overload devices having movable portions responsive to overload conditions for moving the second arm of said lever to open said stop switch upon the occurrence of an electrical overload. said electrical overload devices being reset by the depression of said second arm of said lever, manual reset means for operating the second arm of said lever, manually operable means for actuating said start switch, manually operable means for actuating said stop switch; a magnet unit controlled by said start and stop switches, mechanism operated by said magnet for holding said start switch closed after the initial closing of said start switch; and a contactor directly actuated by said magnet.

' 12. An automatic starter comprising a control switch unit including a control switch block, pairs of stationary contacts carried by said control switch'block, a first lever and a second lever pivotally carried by said control switch block, said first lever carrying a movable contact cooperating with one pair of said stationary contacts to form a start switch and being biased towards open position, said second lever carrying a movable contact cooperating with another pair 'of said -tationary contacts and constituting a stop switch and biased towards closed position, said second lever having an extension, a pair of electrical overload devices having means movable upon electrical overload and cooperating with said extension to rock said second leverlto open said stop switch; a magnet unit controlled by said start and stop switches, mechanism connecting said first lever with said magnet for holding said start switch closed by said magnet after initial closing of said start switch, manual means for operating said start and stop switches, manual reset means cooperating with said extension to reset said electrical overload devices; and-a contactor directly operated by said magnet.

13. In an automatic starter, a contactor, a magnet for operating said contactor, a switch for closing the circuit of said magnet, and mechanical means operatively connecting. said magnet and said switch to closesaid switch when said magnet is energized, whereby said switch acts in the dual capacity of a start switch for said contactor and as a holding switch for said magnet.

14. In an automatic starter, a contactor, a magnet for operating said contactor, said magnet having a holding circuit, a stop switch for opening said holding circuit, electrical overload means, and means actuated by said overload means for opening said stop switch upon the occurrence of an electrical overload, whereby said stop switch serves in the dual capacity of a stop switch and as an overload switch for controlling the opening of the holding circuit of said magnet.

15. An automatic starter formed as a unitary construction and comprising a contactor, a magnet for operating said contactor, said magnet having a holding circuit, a start switch for closing said holding circuit, means operated by said magnet for holding said start switch closed when said magnet is energized, a stop switch for opening said holding circuit, electrical overload means, and means actuated by said overload means for opening said stop switch upon the occurrence of an overload.

16. .An automatic starter formed as a unitary construction and comprising a contactor, a magnet ior operating said contactor, said magnet having a holding circuit, a start switch for closing said holding circuit, said start switch being biased towards open position, means operated by said magnet for holding said start switch closed when said magnet is energized, a stop switch for opening said holding circuit, said stop switch being biased towards closed position, thermally actuated electrical overload means, and means actuated by said overload means for opening said stop switch upon the occurrence of an overload.

17. An automatic starter formed as a unitary construction and comprising a contactor, a magnet for operating said contactor, said magnet having a holding circuit, a start switch for closing said holding circuit, said start, switch being biased towards open position, means operated by said magnet for holding said start switch closed when said magnet is energized, a stop switch for opening said holding circuit, said stop switch being biased towards closed position, electrical overload means, and means actuated by said overload means for opening said stop switch upon the occurrence of an overload.

HERMON L. VAN 

